Denver’s wellness landscape is witnessing an exciting evolution, as Traverse Fitness brings a truly unique recovery option to the forefront with their innovative Thermotherapy classes.
Opened in 2019, Traverse Fitness has established itself as a pioneer in the city’s fitness arena, initially focusing on high-intensity interval training and their distinctive Altitude studio which simulates elevations as high as 20,000 feet.
With the recent expansion into an adjoining studio, the team at Traverse is now ushering in a new age of wellness with a creation that is gaining traction in both Canada and Europe — a Thermotherapy space that is practically unheard of in Denver.
Nestled in an outdoor oasis, this spacious retreat features an impressive 18-person sauna, two cold plunge pools, and areas to relax and socialize, promoting a holistic approach to recovery.
While members can freely enjoy the space, Traverse has taken it a step further by integrating sauna and plunge experiences into their structured classes, appealing to those seeking more than just standard recovery routines.
Leading this initiative is Alycia Wong, recognized as Denver’s first and only certified sauna master, who specializes in the traditional Aufguss sauna ritual.
Aufguss, stemming from a German term for ‘infusion’, is a transformative ritual that enhances the sauna experience by combining curated essential oil blends with choreographed towel waving, creating a multi-sensory environment designed for meditation and recovery.
Even though Aufguss is just beginning to make its mark in the U.S., Wong’s credentials make her approach particularly unique, having trained under esteemed experts in the field, including Lay Pang Ong, a five-time Danish sauna champion, and Deborah Carr, Director of the UK Sauna Society.
Her rich background in competitive dance and fitness provides a solid foundation for her innovative take on Aufguss, which she has named “Somatic Aufguss.”
Wong’s classes are designed to blend breath work, gentle movement, and mindfulness, pushing the boundaries of traditional sauna experiences to create an immersive and sensory-rich environment unlike any other recovery method available in Denver today.
Recently, Wong invited 303 Magazine to experience a class firsthand – an initiation into the world of Somatic Aufguss.
The session commenced with a moment of stillness, enhanced by the calming scents of bergamot and cedar, as Wong led participants through a pranayama technique focused on breath control and awareness, setting the tone for what was to come.
Next, she introduced a mix of sweet orange, peppermint, and cinnamon essential oils, prompting a gentle awakening of the participants’ energies through qigong-inspired body tapping, emphasizing rhythm and connection with the body.
Wong then brought a kundalini-inspired twist into the routine, promoting movement as the internal temperature of the sauna increased.
After reaching a climactic point, the atmosphere was charged with a warming blend of cardamom and clove, and Wong skillfully guided her participants through movements designed to stretch and release built-up tension, encouraging them to embrace the experience, however challenging it may feel.
Following the sauna session, participants rushed to the cold plunges for refreshing relief.
As they dipped into the icy waters, Wong encouraged her class to aim for a two-minute duration, though she reassured them that any duration was adequate.
Each participant had their own approach, with some maintaining composed expressions while others expressed their emotions freely, fostering a powerful sense of community amidst the challenge of the cold plunge.
To conclude the session, Wong brought everyone back to the sauna for one final round of restorative breathwork and stretching.
The experience ended with a calming blend of ylang ylang and black pepper, as participants engaged in alternate nostril breathing, designed to restore balance and tranquility after an energetic session.
As the session wrapped up, a sense of clarity and peace lingered among the group, leaving them feeling rejuvenated and grounded.
Wong’s Somatic Aufguss classes not only integrate traditional sauna practices but elevate them into an experience that transcends mere physical recovery to embrace mental and emotional well-being.
Her ability to balance performance with moments of stillness creates an atmosphere that is both calming and energizing.
For Wong and the team at Traverse Fitness, the journey is just beginning.
With her Somatic Aufguss classes, Wong aims to reshape the perception of recovery in Denver, focusing on resilience and connection within a fast-paced society.
Traverse Fitness, located at 2449 South Broadway, Denver, is open Monday through Thursday from 4:45 a.m. to 7:15 p.m., Fridays from 4:45 a.m. to 2 p.m., and weekends from 6:45 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Starting this July, Alycia Wong will conduct her Aufguss classes every Tuesday at 4:15 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., inviting curious participants to explore a new realm of recovery that truly stands apart in Denver’s burgeoning wellness scene.
This is a wellness opportunity that encourages slowing down, breathing deeply, and connecting, promising something refreshingly different for all those willing to dive in.
image source from：https://303magazine.com/2025/06/meet-aufguss-the-newest-recovery-class-heating-up-denver/
